Why the Florida Panthers feel Anton Lundell is ‘so very, very close’ to a breakout
Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell is of the belief that a player’s impact can come in many ways.
But as Lundell evaluates his performance one-third of the way through the season, the 22-year-old is quick to acknowledge that main area that has held him back so far in his third NHL season.
“The points and goals,” Lundell said, “are the only thing that’s missing.”
Lundell has made it a point during his still growing NHL career to be a complete player, one who can be a menace offensively and be relied on defensively.
The defensive portion of his game has been there this season.
The offense? Not as much. Entering Tuesday’s game against the Seattle Kraken, Lundell has just 12 points — two goals and 10 assists — through Florida’s first 27 games.
“We all know I want to produce,” Lundell said. “I want to help the team and get some goals and help that way to win as well. I think it’s coming. Just need to keep trying. There’s no easy way. It’s the best league in the world and sometimes it doesn’t go your way, but you just need to keep working and trusting the process.”
There is reason to believe that the breakout is coming.
According to the advance hockey statistics website Natural Stat Trick, Lundell ranks fifth on the Panthers with 7.02 expected goals despite having only scored twice. The 5.02 difference between expected goals and actual goals is the second-largest margin on the team behind only Matthew Tkachuk (12.59 expected goals compared to five goals scored for a difference of 7.59).
Lundell also has produced the sixth-most scoring chances (54) and high-danger chances (26) on the team despite being on the ice for an average of 15:43 per game while centering Florida’s third line and getting time on the Panthers’ second power-play unit and on the penalty kill.
“I feel like he has been so very, very close to putting up points,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “He’s had chances and he’s stayed pretty disciplined defensively. He’s got to stretch it. This guy wants to score some goals. It’s a big year for him, but he hasn’t cheated the game to do it to his credit. He’s also had chances that aren’t going for him, which is frustrating. I’m glad he got two helpers tonight. I don’t think he’s very far from breaking out. If he gets one, he’s gonna score a bunch.”
Lundell has already had one extended streak of success this season. After going without a point through Florida’s first five games, Lundell racked up six points — one goal and five assists — during an eight-game span from Oct. 24 to Nov. 10. He hasn’t gone longer than three games without a point since then. That includes having a pair of multi-assist efforts on Nov. 17 at Anaheim and Friday against Pittsburgh.
“Sometimes, you might not get it no matter how good you play,” Lundell said. “Maybe the goalie just saves everything or you hit the post. I’m just trying to focus on things I can impact every day. I want to be ready every game. I don’t want to let games go by.”
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